MFCBioFactory · Novel bioelectrochemical factory system for energy production and treatment of industrial wastewater: Electroactive and non-electroactive microbiome

Novel bioelectrochemical factory system for energy production and treatment of industrial wastewater: Electroactive and non-electroactive microbiome

Industrial wastewater treatment is one of the greatest environmental and technological challenges of our time, particularly when dealing with high-salinity effluents generated by sectors such as the canned food industry. These wastewaters contain high levels of organic matter, nutrients, and salts, making conventional biological treatments inefficient, costly, and energy-intensive. At the same time, the world faces a growing demand for sustainable energy alternatives, alongside a pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Green Deal, the MSCA Green Charter, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) all call for transformative solutions that promote a circular economy and environmentally responsible innovations. MFCBioFactory is an ambitious project that addresses these critical challenges by developing a novel bioelectrochemical system that integrates microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with photobioreactors into a unique Microbial Fuel Cell Biofactory (MFCB). This system not only treats industrial wastewater but also generates clean energy, closes resource cycles, and avoids greenhouse gas emissions. The MFCBioFactory is designed as a zero-energy, zero-waste technology, converting pollutants into electricity and recovering resources, such as nutrients and carbon dioxide, to grow microalgae in the cathodic chamber. At the core of this innovation lies the exploitation of the hidden potential of microbial communities. The system relies on the activity of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs), capable of converting organic matter into electrical energy, as well as non-electroactive microorganisms, such as algae and fermenters, that support the system’s functionality through oxygen production and pollutant removal. These diverse microbial populations are largely uncharacterized, particularly in MFCs treating saline effluents, and the project will use advanced metagenomic techniques to uncover their identities, functions, and ecological relationships. The MFCBioFactory will, for the first time, establish a biofactory for the treatment of high-salinity effluents from the fish canning industry—a sector of major economic relevance in Europe, especially in Spain. The expected outcome is a new generation of wastewater treatment technology that is self-sufficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly. The knowledge generated will provide a basis for improved design and operation of MFCs, tailored to industrial needs, and will also support the development of open-access microbial genome databases to guide future innovations. The project is driven by a multidisciplinary team combining expertise in environmental microbiology, process engineering, bioelectrochemistry, and life cycle assessment. It includes collaboration with both academic institutions and industry, ensuring that the technological and ecological knowledge is directly translated into practical applications. In terms of societal impact, MFCBioFactory contributes to energy security, sustainable industry, and environmental protection. It is expected to reduce operational costs for industries, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and promote green technologies. By targeting both scientific discovery and real-world implementation, MFCBioFactory positions itself as a catalyst for change in the environmental biotechnology landscape, advancing Europe's leadership in sustainable innovation.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union